Thanksgiving Events in Manhattan

La MaMa Kids Creativity for Kids: Connect Through PlayWHEN: Nov. 18, 11amWHERE: La MaMa Experimental Theatre, 66 E. 4th St., East VillageAGES: Young elementary, TweenWHAT: In this LaMaMa kids workshop, participants will play theater games, sing, move, and act out stories in a safe and fun environment. Taking place the week of Thanksgiving, all of the creative games and exercises will focus on the theme of giving thanks.WANT TO GO? $10 children; free for adults. 212-254-6468. lamama.org.

FREEMacy's Thanksgiving Parade Balloon Inflation EventWHEN:Wednesday, Nov. 22, 3-10pmWHERE: Theodore Roosevelt Park, West 79th Street and Columbus Avenue, Upper West Side AGES:AllWHAT:Watch the big balloons fill up before they make their Thanksgiving Day trip through the heart of Manhattan. WANT TO GO? macys.com/parade.

FREE91st Annual Macy's Thanksgiving Day ParadeWHEN: Thursday, Nov. 23, 9am-12pmWHERE: Parade begins at Central Park West and 77th Street, Sixth Avenue, Upper West Side and Midtown AGES: All WHAT: This year's parade promises all the awesomely soaring balloons including Hello Kitty, Ronald McDonald, Elf on the Shelf, and Charlie Brown, to name a few, plus marching bands, performers, and floats that families love. WHY WE LOVE IT: What better way to get out of the kitchen on Thanksgiving morning? WANT TO GO? 212-494-4495. macys.com/parade.

Thanksgiving Weekend CelebrationWHEN: Nov. 24-26, Friday-Sunday, 10am-5pmWHERE: Children's Museum of Manhattan, 212 W. 83rd St., Upper West Side AGES: All WHAT: Create a dinner plate that tells a story of your family and what you are grateful for, enjoy a performance by the Thunderbird American Indian Dancers, take in a storytelling program about Steve Metzger’s book The Great Turkey Race, and step up to an interactive dance performance by Steps on Broadway. WANT TO GO? $14; $11 seniors; free for children younger than 1. 212-721-1223. cmom.org.

Transportation InventionsWHEN: Nov. 24-26, Friday-Sunday, 1:30-2:15pmWHERE: New York Transit Museum, Boerum Place and Schermerhorn Street, AGES: Young elementary, Tween, TeenWHAT: Visit the museum during the Thanksgiving break. Use your imagination, a little inspiration, and the wacky materials on hand to plan, blueprint, and build a pint-sized vehicle model of the future.WANT TO GO? $10; $5 children ages 2-17. 718-694-1600. nytransitmuseum.org.

Thanksgiving Events on Staten Island

Thanksgiving with the BeastsWHEN: Saturday, Nov. 18, 12-3pmWHERE: Staten Island Zoo, 614 Broadway, Staten Island AGES: All WHAT: In the tradition of celebrating a harvest, join in as the zookeepers make special Thanksgiving feasts for the animals. The event also features the Red Storm Drum and Dance Troupe celebrating the Native American culture and its strong relationship wth animals. Their perfomance includes music, song, dance, and stories.WANT TO GO? $10 for those age 15 and older; $6 for children 3-14; $7 for seniors 60 and older; free for children yonder than 2. 718-442-3101. statenislandzoo.org.

Young Chefs Give Thanks Once Again!WHEN: Saturday, Nov. 18, 10:30amWHERE: Alley Pond Environmental Center, 228-06 Northern Blvd., DouglastonAGES: TweenWHAT: Thanksgiving is customarily a time to give thanks for the harvest and appreciate everything we are blessed with. With this in mind, our Young Chefs will "shop" for goods in our “APEC” market and together, create Thanksgiving baskets filled with groceries for the less fortunate to enjoy over the holidays. Young Chefs will also learn how to cook fresh zucchini pancakes and garlic bread to enjoy with a nice cup of warm apple cider! All materials included. (Cost of baskets to be donated included in class fee.)WANT TO GO? $30. 718-229-4000. alleypond.com.

7th Annual Kid's Turkey Trot: Long Island City YMCA WHEN: Thursday, Nov. 23, 9amWHERE: 32-23 Queens Blvd., Long Island City NY 11101 AGES: All WHAT: Families can start a new NYC Thanksgiving Day tradition at this event designed to celebrate healthy living, fun, and community diversity. Activities will include a mini dance class, warm-up and stretch, pictures with the turkey, and a post-race dance and awards celebration. Trophies and medals will be awarded to boys and girls across the age groups. The event expects to raise over $3,000 for the YMCA’s Annual Campaign which ensures that no child or family is turned away from life-enhancing YMCA programs because of the inability to pay. Registration required.WANT TO GO? 718-392-7932. ymcanyc3.givezooks.com.